The aren't planning to rush through his recovery from Tommy John surgery, even if it means struggling through the start of the season.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported Monday that the team is "expected to be deliberate" in determining his return to the hill.
The 31-year-old, who is in the second year of a $145 million deal that keeps him in Boston through at least 2024, had the reconstructive procedure March 30, and pitchers usually take between 12 and 15 months to recover.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.